What Reviewers Say

Big Life Journal is widely regarded as the gold standard for introducing growth mindset and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to children in a homeschool setting. Reviewers consistently praise the high-quality illustrations and the way the prompts encourage deep, meaningful conversations between parents and children. Sources like Cathy Duffy and The Homeschool Mom highlight its ability to make abstract concepts like 'resilience' and 'neuroplasticity' accessible. However, a common critique is the price point; some parents feel the physical journals are expensive for what is essentially a guided diary, leading many to prefer the digital printable kits. While some children find the journaling 'magical,' others who dislike writing may find it tedious unless a parent scribes for them. Overall, it is highly valued for its ability to shift a child's perspective on failure and effort.

How It Works

Parents and children typically set aside 15 to 30 minutes once a week to work through a single chapter together at the kitchen table. The parent reads an inspiring story about a real-life person or a specific growth mindset concept, then uses the provided prompts to spark a conversation about the child's own challenges. The child then completes creative activities in their journal, such as drawing 'the power of yet' or writing down goals, using colored pencils or markers. For younger children, the parent often acts as a scribe to keep the experience stress-free, while older children may complete portions independently before sharing. The weekly routine is often supplemented by the free Big Life Kids podcast, which reinforces the same themes through audio storytelling.

Switching to This?

Since this is a supplemental SEL program rather than an academic one, there are no formal placement tests; instead, parents choose a journal based on the child's age: Mini (ages 5-7), Second Edition (ages 7-10), or Teen (ages 11+). A common community rule of thumb is to choose the level based on the child's emotional maturity and writing comfort rather than their grade level, as the older journals require significant reflection and text entry. Families can start at any time of the year because the lessons are modular and do not build on previous academic concepts. If you are switching from a more clinical or school-based SEL program, expect a shift toward a more artistic, 'whimsical' style that feels more like a shared family activity than a formal lesson.

Curriculum Details

Price

$15 - $180

Individual journals cost $26-$29; digital kits and printable bundles range from $15 to $150+ for classroom/large family licenses.

Grades

PRE-K - 12

Available As

Digital Print Workbook

Coverage

Supplement

Subjects

Logic & Critical Thinking Art

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

5-20 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Secular

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Parent Role:

Parents typically act as mentors, discussing the prompts and stories with the child to deepen the emotional connection and understanding of mindset concepts.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Generation Mindful (GENM), which focuses on setting up physical 'Calm Down Corners' and using tangible tools for emotional regulation, Big Life Journal is more of a literary and reflective tool centered on internal thought patterns. When weighed against Positive Action, Big Life Journal is much less structured and script-heavy, making it better for families who want a flexible supplement rather than a daily, comprehensive SEL curriculum. Parents choosing between Big Life Journal and My Best Self often find that Big Life Journal has a higher production value with more vibrant illustrations, which can be more engaging for 'visual' learners, whereas My Best Self is often cited as being more straightforward for kids who prefer a no-frills approach.

Getting Started